Roma deal for Real Madrid's Baptista stalls

Julio Baptista's switch to Roma could fall through due to the price tag Real Madrid have put on his head, according to the player's agent.

Baptista has been linked with a move to the Eternal City since June, despite making over 30 appearances for the Spanish champions last season since his return from Arsenal.

In July, Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic declared he would listen to offers from Roma for the player.

But Baptista's agent, Herminio Menendez, revealed a deal may be stalling as Madrid are asking for too much money.

'Julio is not happy with the situation at Real Madrid,' he told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

'He's a Brazil international and he's looking for a team which will play him every game.

'Roma are a prestigious club who play in the Champions League. Everyone aspires to be in that position.

'But it's not just down to the player, it depends on the club. I don't know if Roma can pay what Real are asking for the player.'

Reports in the Italian press last month suggested Roma were keen on a loan deal similar to that which took Baptista to Arsenal in 2006, whereby the Giallorossi would pay three million euros now with the option to shell out another 10million to secure his services permanently next year.

However, Roma's interest in the player may have subsided, after coach Luciano Spalletti spoke on Tuesday about possible targets his club were chasing but failed to mention the 26-year-old Brazilian.